Psychosocial landscape after COVID-19: glimpses into a better future

The current research examines the anticipated long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Indians’ lifestyle and thinking, using interviews and a self-constructed ‘Anticipated Changes Post Pandemic’ Scale. The sample comprised of 1009 Indians (women=637; men=372), across 21 states/Union Territories, ranging between 17-83 years. Analyses included means, standard deviation and percentages. Results showed that COVID-19 seems to have marked psychological implications moving forward. Three types of changes can be anticipated: lifestyle changes (not wasting food, spending less, reducing junk food consumption, becoming more hygienic); changes in mindset towards greater environmental awareness and gratitude towards the mundane; and increased national pride (for e.g., wanting to  buy more products made in India) and even boycotting Chinese products. 96.5% agreed that they will not waste food; 72.2% said that they spend less. 92.9% of the sample said that they will become more environmentally conscious after the Pandemic. 55.9% of the sample expressed that they will buy more products made in India; while 41.6% said that they will boycott Chinese products. Implications are discussed.